Daily Research News Online no. 2300 - Hong Kong Confronts SARS

Hong Kong Confronts SARS

April 15 2003

Global market research firm, Synovate, has recently issued data that shows the people of Hong Kong are doing whatever it takes to combat the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, even if it means abandoning social conventions.

Indeed, 59 per cent of Hong Kongers are now hesitant to shake hands and 64 per cent avoid touching surfaces in public places - more concerned about possible contact with the disease than with observing niceties.

Steve Garton, Media Director of Synovate Hong Kong, said the results showed Hong Kongers have mobilised rapidly to control the spread of the disease. 'In normal circumstances, getting entire cities of people to change long-term habits is next to impossible. But these are extraordinary times...Hong Kong is to be congratulated on quickly adopting more fastidious standards of hygiene - in just some of the changes, 86 per cent of the population are washing their hands more often since the advent of SARS; 85 per cent have worn a face mask at some time since the start of the outbreak; and of the mask-wearers, 53 per cent wear one at work or school. This disease is being fought in three main ways in Hong Kong - via Government, medical and personal intervention or changes. The Synovate survey results show that people have seized control of their own habits - with personal hygiene as the one area where control is available to them.'

Other changes in personal behaviour include:

Almost everyone is ensuring ventilation at home, with 95 per cent opening the windows;
35 per cent of Hong Kongers are changing their diet in response to SARS, especially females at 45 per cent versus males at 25 per cent;
38 per cent of the population are taking more rest - 41 per cent of Hong Kong women are doing so and 34 per cent of men; and
Women wash their hands 9.4 times more often than before the SARS outbreak, with men doing so 7.9 times more often (this is 8.7 times more frequently across the population).

The research company surveyed 500 respondents between the ages of 15 and 64, via telephone, about behaviour changes and habits as a result of SARS. It was conducted from 3 to 5 April and the data was weighted to reflect the Hong Kong domestic population.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.